U.S. flag returns to full-staff following mourning period for George H.W. Bush

The U.S. flag returned to full-staff Monday after being lowered as an expression of public sorrow following the death of former President George H.W. Bush.

President Donald Trump directed that American flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days to honor the memory of Bush, who died Nov. 30 in Houston.

In 2018, the flag was lowered to half-staff for a total of 67 days, more than one-fifth of the year. Orders to lower the flag are given by presidential proclamation and generally fall into three categories: for a day of remembrance; for honoring victims of a tragedy; or for honoring a political figure.